KR20240017172A - Reservoir for aerosol delivery devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol delivery devices, or electronic cigarettes, generate an aerosol or vapor for consumption by consumers. The device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol precursor or fluid that is converted to an aerosol or vapor. The fluid may be stored in a reservoir that allows the fluid to pass through the nebulizer to create an aerosol. The reservoir may be a flexible bladder that equalizes pressure inside the cartridge to reduce leakage, as well as an internal valve to activate fluid transfer. Alternatively, the reservoir may include one or more capsules that can be broken or melted to release fluid.

Description

Reservoir for aerosol delivery device {RESERVOIR FOR AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICES}

The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as personal vapor inhaling units, vaporizers or smoking articles (e.g., general It is about smoking products called electronic cigarettes. A smoking article or vaporizer may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor (such as a formulation containing glycerin and nicotine) to form an aerosol for inhalation. The present invention relates to systems and methods for using collapsible bladders or destructible capsule(s) to hold or contain aerosol precursors. In particular, it focuses on products intended for human consumption that are manufactured from, derived from, or contain tobacco.

Many smoking devices have been proposed over the years as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require combustion of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are known to be designed to provide the sensation associated with smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe, but without delivering the significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products produced by burning a cigarette. To this end, a number of smoking products, flavor generators and medical inhalers that use electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile substances attempt to provide a significant degree of the sensation of a cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco without combusting the tobacco. inhalers) have been proposed. For example, various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat sources presented in this background art are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., Griffith Jr. It can be found in US Patent Publication No. 2013/0255702 by Sears et al. and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0096781 by Sears et al. Additionally, various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically-powered heat sources are referenced by trade name and commercial source, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. heat generating sources) can be found. Additionally, other types of smoking articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,505,214 to Collins et al., incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent No. 5,894,841 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0196518 to Hon; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0267031 to Hon; It is proposed in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0261495 by Novak III et al. and US Patent Publication No. 2015/0230521 by Talon.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device (such as an aerosol delivery smoking system, commonly referred to as an electronic cigarette) that can deliver an aerosol in the form of a vaporized substance in a consistent and satisfactory manner. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device with components or features that assist in controlling the amount of aerosol precursor that can vaporize, and thus form aerosol for inhalation and control the amount of aerosol precursor that can vaporize.

The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and components of such devices. Aerosol delivery devices can distribute aerosol precursors more consistently. When the amount of aerosol precursor (i.e. liquid or e-liquid) is constant, the smoking (i.e. vaping) experience may be most satisfying to the user. Consistency can be achieved by controlling the amount of liquid vaporized. However, the amount of liquid vaporized may vary as the volume of liquid within the device changes. The cartridge's fluid reservoir may leak due to changes in pressure or temperature, which may result in inconsistent control of the amount of liquid vaporized. Using a flexible bladder or capsule can help regulate and control the flow of liquid.

In one embodiment, a cartridge assembly for an aerosol delivery device includes a flexible bladder storing an aerosol precursor and a supporting tube supporting the flexible bladder. The assembly includes a plug at one end of the support tube that seals the flexible bladder to control leakage except for the porous portion of the plug that allows passage of the aerosol precursor.

In another embodiment, an electronic cigarette has a battery portion and a cartridge that receives power from the battery portion and stores vaporized fluid. The cartridge includes a flexible bladder that supports fluid, a tube that supports the flexible bladder, and a cap that seals the flexible bladder, and the cap has a porous material for transporting fluid from the bladder.

In another embodiment, a vaporizing device includes a mouthpiece for receiving air along with the vapor, and a soft fluid bladder that stores fluid and compresses as the fluid is removed, thereby reducing the air significantly. Includes. The device includes a supporting cylinder supporting the soft fluid bladder, and a porous material cap provided at one end of the support cylinder and engaged with the soft fluid bladder to leak a controlled amount of fluid. do. The device further includes an atomizer that generates vapor from fluid stored in the soft fluid bladder.

In another embodiment, an aerosol delivery device includes one or more capsules containing an aerosol precursor. The mechanism releases an aerosol precursor. This mechanism can cause the capsule to break or heat up. The vaporizer receives the released aerosol precursor and vaporizes the aerosol precursor to produce an aerosol.

Although the present invention has been described in general language above, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Figure 1 shows an aerosol delivery device implemented as a two-piece assembly.
Figure 2 shows a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device having a bladder portion.
Figure 3 shows a fluid container for a cartridge within an aerosol delivery device.
Figure 4 shows the fluid container of Figure 3 in a closed state.
Figure 5 shows air flow within the cartridge.
Figure 6 shows a sealed bladder within a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device.
Figure 7 shows one embodiment of a sealing mechanism for sealing a bladder within a cartridge.
Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a cartridge with a modified air path.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the end of the cartridge of Figure 8 with a modified air path.
Figure 10 shows a cartridge with a valve connection.
Figure 11 shows the closed state of the elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 shows the open state of the elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 shows another elastomeric valve.
Figure 14 shows the sealed state of the cartridge.
Figure 15 shows the open state of the cartridge.
Figure 16 shows a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device having one or more capsules.
Figure 17 shows another embodiment of a capsule.
Figure 18 shows another cartridge of an aerosol delivery device having one or more capsules disposed adjacent to a heating element.
Figure 19 shows the destruction mechanism for the capsule.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the disclosure will be faithfully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments described herein; Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms singular and definite include plural variations unless specified otherwise.

As described below, embodiments of the present invention relate to aerosol delivery systems. As used herein, aerosol delivery systems may include electronic cigarettes (“e-Cigs”) or personal vaporization units (“PVUs”) that use electrical energy to heat a substance to form an inhalable substance. Unlike conventional cigarettes, the by-product produced by these devices is not smoke but a vapor or aerosol resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain ingredients contained within. In some exemplary embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery system may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, which most preferably include tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco, and thus include tobacco components in aerosol form ( tobacco derived components).

The aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery systems include cigarettes, cigars or cigars that are used by lighting and burning the tobacco (and thus inhaling the smoke) without substantial combustion of any of the components. Provides much of the feel of smoking a pipe (e.g., how you inhale and exhale, type of flavor or aroma, organoleptic effects, physical feel, method of use, visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosols, etc.) can do. For example, a user of an aerosol generating piece of the present invention may hold and use the piece much like a smoker would use a traditional type of smoking article, with one end of the piece being held for inhalation of the aerosol produced by the piece. You can suck, suck or smoke a cigarette at selected time intervals.

The aerosol delivery system of the present invention may also be characterized as being a vapor-generating article or a drug delivery article. Accordingly, such articles or devices may be adapted to provide one or more substances (eg, flavoring and/or pharmaceutically active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, an inhalable substance may be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., a substance that exists in a gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable material may be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein means to include vapors, gases and aerosols in a form or type suitable for inhalation by humans, whether or not they are visible and whether or not they can be considered to be in a smoke-like form. is irrelevant.

The aerosol delivery device of the present invention includes a number of components provided within an outer body or shell, which may generally be referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body or shell may vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body may vary, which may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device. For some aerosol delivery devices, an elongated body, similar to the shape of a cigarette or cigar, may be formed from one single housing, or the elongated housing may be comprised of two or more separable bodies. For example, an aerosol delivery device may include an elongated shell or body that may be substantially tubular in shape, similar to the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In one embodiment, all components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within a single housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may include two or more housings that can be joined and separated. For example, an aerosol delivery device can have a control body at one end that includes a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronic devices for controlling the operation of the article); , an outer body or shell comprising a portion containing one or more aerosol precursor components, such as flavorants and aerosol formers, is removably attached thereto at the other end. In various embodiments, this portion may be a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable cartridge) or a refillable portion (e.g., a refillable tank).

Embodiments herein include a non-rigid tank with a flexible bladder to equalize pressure and reduce leakage. Unlike more rigid tanks, flexible bladders may not allow air into the reservoir or container. If there is air in the container, the bladder can expand or contract freely, preventing heating/cooling or pressure increases/decreases (which can occur due to expansion of the air volume). Rigid containers may experience pressure differences inside and outside the rigid tank, forcing liquid and/or air to be released or air taken in to equalize the pressures. A flexible bladder can prevent air from entering even if the fluid within the bladder is removed. The bag may be crushed or deflated. Using a flexible bladder means the cartridge can be disposable.

The aerosol delivery device of the present invention may be comprised of an outer housing or shell that is not substantially tubular in shape but may be formed of substantially larger dimensions. The housing or shell may be configured to contain a mouthpiece and/or may contain consumable elements such as a liquid aerosol former and a separate shell (e.g., cartridge, tank) that may contain a vaporizer. ) can be configured to accommodate.

The aerosol delivery system of the present invention most preferably includes a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., a microprocessor, either individually or as part of a microcontroller) that powers other components of the article. a means for activating, controlling, regulating and interrupting power for heat generation by controlling the flow of current from a source), a heater or heating element (e.g., alone or in combination with one or more other elements, generally referred to as an "atomizer"); aerosol precursor compositions (e.g., ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid,” and “e-juice”), which, upon application of sufficient heat, aerosolize a liquid capable of producing a liquid) and an inlet end or tip that can be applied to an aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., formed through the article so that the generated aerosol can be drawn through an air flow passage upon inhalation). includes some combination of airflow passages).

More specific formats, placement and arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery system of the present invention will become apparent from the additional description provided below. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery system components can be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as, for example, the representative products referenced in the background art.

1 shows an aerosol delivery device in a two piece assembly embodiment. An exemplary two-piece assembly has a distal assembly and a proximal assembly. The end assembly may be referred to as the control body and may include a battery and microprocessor. The air mass assembly may be called a tank and may include a cartridge (containing a fluid reservoir) and an atomizer. Although not shown, the distal assembly connects with the proximal assembly by a connection interface so that energy from a power source, such as a battery or capacitor, can be transferred to the proximal assembly. An example of a battery that can be used in accordance with the present invention is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The aerosol delivery device may include a sensor or detector to control the power supply to the heater when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., when inhaled during use). As such, for example, a manner and method is provided to cut off the power supply to the heater when the aerosol delivery device is not being inhaled during use, and to turn on the power supply to initiate or operate heat generation by the heater during inhalation. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structure and composition, their components and their general methods of operation include U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT to Flick. They are described in Patent Publication No. WO2010/003480, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The end assembly may include a body housing a battery or capacitor, one or more microprocessors, an LED or light source at the end of the device. The end assembly or battery portion may include a number of electronic components and, in some examples, may consist of an electronic or printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. Electronic components may include microprocessors or processor cores and memory. In some examples, the control component may include a microcontroller with an integrated processor core and memory, and such microcontroller may further include one or more integrated input/output peripherals. In some examples, the control component is coupled to a communication interface to enable wireless communication with one or more networks, computing devices, or other suitably capable devices. An example of a suitable communication interface is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/638,562, filed March 4, 2015, by Marion et al., the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable ways in which an aerosol delivery device may be configured to communicate wirelessly include U.S. Patent Application Nos. 14/327,776 to Ampolim et al., filed July 10, 2014, and Henry, Jr., filed January 29, 2015. are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/609,032, etc., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The distal assembly may be connected to a cartridge connector on the proximal assembly. The base assembly may have a secondary wick and an atomizer housing housing a heating element or elements. The nebulizer housing may include connections for integrating a microprocessor, a power source, and a heating element. The atomizer housing may also include a wick element that contacts the fluid to be vaporized. The fluid to be vaporized may be stored in a fluid reservoir. The nebulizer housing and fluid reservoir may be placed in a chamber housing that also functions as the mouthpiece of the PVU.

In some example embodiments, the proximal assembly or cartridge may be referred to as disposable or reusable. In another example, the proximal assembly may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, thus connecting to a conventional alternating current electrical outlet, connecting to a charger in an automobile (i.e., a cigarette lighter receptacle), and connecting to a universal serial bus (USB). It can be combined with any type of recharging technology, including a connection to a computer, such as via a cable or connector. The base assembly may include a tank containing a refillable reservoir. The reservoir may be configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a fluid). The reservoir may be formed of or joined to a wick, especially made of a porous material (eg a fibrous material). As described below in connection with FIGS. 2-5, the cartridge may include a bladder for storing fluid material.

Figure 2 shows a cartridge 200 for an aerosol delivery device that includes a bladder portion. Cartridge 200 may include an external tube or mouthpiece 202 and a bladder support cylinder 204 that supports a liquid container bladder 206. Liquid container bladder 206 may be a reservoir containing fluid 208 or e-liquid, which is a precursor to an aerosol. The aerosol precursor composition may be maintained within bladder 206. For example, liquid components may be retained by bladder 206. Bladder 206 may be in fluid connection through plug 210. Plug 210 may cover bladder 206 and retain fluid 208. Plug 210 may be a silicon or ceramic material, but other materials such as CA may also be used. Since the ceramic will allow fluid to move onto the wick 214, the device shown includes a ceramic central core with a silicone outer case that seals the perimeter from leaks.

A terminal support or flow tube 212 may be provided that includes or is coupled to a heater 214 (sometimes referred to as a heating element). Flow tube 212 may allow air to flow therethrough and act as a terminal support element to support heater 214 . Heater 214 shown in FIG. 2 may be a wick that includes a coil wound around the wick. The wick contains fluid that is heated by a heater coil. Plug 210 and/or flow tube 212 may be configured to wick or otherwise deliver fluid stored in bladder 206 to heater 214 . As shown, the central ceramic portion of plug 210 can transport liquid into the wick. The heater 214 may be supported by a flow pipe 212 that acts as an inlet through which air passes.

The valve may be between the bladder 206 and the central ceramic of the plug 210. This can release fluid when the valve is actuated. Flow pipe 212 may be used to actuate the valve. The valve may be located between the fluid reservoir and the heater 214 and may be configured to control the amount of fluid transferred or moved from the reservoir to the heater. In forming the heater 214, various types of materials that generate heat when an electric current is applied can be used. The heater may be a resistive heating element such as a coil of this type. Examples of materials from which coils can be formed include kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)2), graphite, and Includes graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics).

The end of the cartridge 200 may include a smart chip 216, a communication terminal 218, and a cartridge base 220. Smart chip 216 may include integrated circuits, memory components, sensors, etc. The electronic components of the smart chip 216 may be configured to communicate using the communication terminal 218 with the end assembly (battery portion) and/or an external device by wired or wireless means.

In use, when a user inhales the aerosol delivery device, air flow is detected by a flow sensor (not shown) and heater 214 is activated to vaporize the components of the aerosol precursor composition. When the mouthpiece 202 of the aerosol delivery device is sucked, ambient air enters the air intake port, and the sucked air combines with the formed vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, inhaled, or otherwise sucked out of the opening of the mouthpiece 202 of the aerosol delivery device from the heater around the bladder support cylinder 204.

As described above, the bladder 206 serves as a reservoir for storing material to be vaporized. The material may be a liquid (i.e., e-liquid) or other fluid and may be referred to as an aerosol precursor composition or vapor precursor composition. The fluid may contain various ingredients, including, for example, polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorants. may include. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations also include U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al.; It is presented and described in US Patent Publication No. 2013/0213417 by Chong et al. and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0060554 by Collett et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include those included in the VUSE® products from R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLUTM products from Lorillard Technologies, the MISTIC MENTHOL products from Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPE products from CN Creative Ltd. Also preferred are so-called "smoke juices" used in electronic cigarettes, available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Additional representative types of fluids are described by Sensabaugh, Jr. US Patent No. 4,793,365 by Jakob et al., US Patent No. 5,101,839 by Jakob et al., US Patent No. 6,779,531 by Biggs et al., US Patent Publication No. 2013/0008457 by Lipowicz et al.; and US Patent Publication No. 2015/0020830 to Koller, as well as PCT Publication No. WO2014/182736 to Bowen et al., and R.J. Described in the Reynolds Tobacco Company paper (1988), "Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco," The entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.

The amount of fluid incorporated within the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating piece provides acceptable sensory and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it may be desirable for a sufficient amount of fluid (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol) to be used to create a visible mainstream aerosol that resembles in many ways the appearance of cigarette smoke. The amount of fluid in the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the desired number of puffs per aerosol generating piece. Typically, the amount of fluid incorporated within the aerosol delivery system and especially the aerosol-generating piece is less than about 2 g, usually less than about 1.5 g, often less than about 1 g, and frequently less than about 0.5 g. Flexible bladder 206 (and support components) may be resized from embodiment to embodiment for the optimal amount of fluid.

Figure 3 shows a fluid container for a cartridge within an aerosol delivery device. The fluid container of FIG. 3 may be similar to the fluid container shown in FIG. 2 . In particular, the flexible bladder 302 may be the same or similar to the bladder 206 shown in FIG. 2 . Likewise, cap portion 306 may be the same or similar to cap 210 shown in FIG. 2 . Finally, the tube 304 may be the outer tube 202 shown in FIG. 2 or the bladder support cylinder 204.

The flexible bladder 302 may be a flexible bag or similar material. In one embodiment, bladder 302 may be a latex material or thin plastic. The flexibility of the bladder 302 may allow pressure changes or temperature changes that would otherwise destroy the sealed tank (i.e., non-flexible container), such as by leaking. In particular, the flexible bladder 302 can equalize the pressure outside the reservoir and the pressure inside the reservoir. Bladder 302 can be adapted to adapt to any pressure change.

The seal of bladder 302 may be a porous membrane within cap 306. That is, cap 306 may form an elastomeric seal on the open end of the bladder. Tube 304 may be open-ended to allow inflation/deflation of bladder 302. Cap 306 may be referred to as a plug or seal and provides a means for controlling and creating fluid flow from bladder 302 to the heating element. Ceramic may be used as the cap 306 because it may be porous enough to allow light fluid flow into the wick equipped with the heating element. In particular, the silica wick may contact the ceramic (or other porous material) of the cap 306 that contains the fluid being conveyed to or near the heating element. Materials other than ceramic that allow fluid flow from bladder 302 may be used for cap 306. For example, cellulose acetate or porous plastic may be used as the cap 306. The cap 306 may be made of silicone to prevent leakage except in an appropriate amount depending on the porous material of the cap 306. It can be wrapped with a silicone boot.

Figure 4 shows the fluid container of Figure 3 in a closed state. In particular, Figure 4 shows a cap 406 coupled to the tube 404 to seal the bladder 402. The seal of the bladder 402 prevents leakage of fluid, but the cap 406 may still allow fluid to flow from the bladder and along the porous material 408. Porous material 408 may include ceramic, plastic, or other porous material that allows fluid to flow from bladder 402. Fluid may be retained within the bladder and air flow (from user inhalation described with respect to FIG. 5 ) may cause fluid flow from bladder 302 . Sealing of the bladder is further explained below with respect to Figures 6-15. Figure 4 illustrates the flexible nature of bladder 402. In particular, bladder 402 may become distorted when fluid is removed from bladder 402. Distortion 403 of bladder 402 occurs because the bladder does not fill when fluid is removed. Distortion of the bladder 402 may serve to balance the pressure within the device. This pressure relief can make the amount of fluid provided through the porous material 408 more consistent and controllable by preventing potential leaks that could be caused by pressure differentials.

Figure 5 shows the air flow in the cartridge. There may be an air intake, through which outside air can be drawn into the device. Wick 506 may include a heating element (e.g., coil) that vaporizes fluid absorbed onto the wick. The air flow may pass between the outer tube 504 and the bladder 502, avoiding or passing near the wick 506 and the heating element. The outer tube 504 may be the outer tube 304 described above and the bladder 502 may be the bladder 302 described above. In one embodiment, the air path outside the bladder 502 may be between the outer tube 504 and the bladder support cylinder 508. The bladder support cylinder 508 can be used to support the bladder 502 and is sealed with a cap, and the outer tube 504 has an air path between the bladder support cylinder 508 and the outer tube 504. allow it to be formed. As described above, air flow may be generated as the user puffs (inhales) the device to exert a suction effect that draws air through the air intake port.

Figure 6 shows a sealed bladder within a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. A cap or seal is used to seal the bladder, preventing leaks, but still allowing air to flow when the device is in use. As used herein, the term cap or seal may refer to a number of components including the cap 606 and porous material 608 shown in FIG. 6. These components may be separate or combined as a single cap/seal. Cap 606 may include a porous material 608 that allows fluid flow from fluid stored in bladder 602. Bladder 602 is placed within outer tube 604 for support. The bladder is sealed to the outer tube 604 with a silicone seal 610. Silicone seal 610 prevents fluid leakage so that fluid can only flow through cap 606 and porous material 608. Although depicted as silicone in this embodiment, seal 610 may be formed of alternative materials that can fill the gap between bladder connections to prevent fluid flow outside of porous material 608. Silicone seal 610 is further shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows one embodiment of a sealing mechanism for sealing a bladder within a cartridge. The silicone seal 610 may include a ridge 702 that creates a compression or friction fit between the bladder 602 and the outer tube 604. A compression fit causes flexible bladder 602 to be pressed against outer tube 604 to prevent fluid leakage. In alternative embodiments, other seals (other than compression bonds) may be used, including a screw mechanism, fastening mechanism, or gluing mechanism. The seal used is designed to prevent fluid from the flexible bladder 602 from leaking out of the outer tube 604. To be precise, fluid can only pass through the cap 606 and the porous material 608. Because bladder 602 is flexible, bladder 602 may need to be sealed to prevent such leakage. In one embodiment, the bladder 602 and sealing mechanism are designed to be replaced once used, or to be a disposable cartridge.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a cartridge with a modified air path. As described, air flow around the bladder may include a gap between the bladder support cylinder and the outer tube. Figure 8 shows a modified air path 802 that includes additional spacing between the bladder support cylinder and the outer tube. By shrinking the connector, there may be a lip 804 that can be used for other components (eg, ultrasonic).

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the end of the cartridge of Figure 8 with a modified air path. In particular, a modified air path 902 emerges from the end of the cartridge. Modified air path 902 may include openings that allow for increased air flow. This modified air path 902 may be a tube external to and/or external to the bladder but within the external housing of the aerosol device.

Figure 10 shows a cartridge with a valve connection. The internal bladder may be maintained within an external container (eg, an external tube or cylindrical support). There may be a sealing plate with an elastomeric valve connected to a porous material (eg, porous ceramic) that transports fluid during use of the device. The valve can function to retain the fluid as long as it is not activated and causes the fluid to seep into the porous ceramic which can bring the heating element and wick into contact for the vaporization process.

Figure 11 shows the closed state of the elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10. The elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10 can be in a closed state when fully extended out from the bladder. The elastomeric valve is in a steady state 1102 prior to displacement.

Figure 12 shows the open state of the elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10. The elastomeric valve shown in Figure 10 may be in a closed state when pressed upward toward the bladder. The elastomeric valve is in a depressed state 1202 in which the valve is opened through displacement. In one embodiment, a user may apply pressure to depress the valve as described and shown with respect to FIG. 13 .

Figure 13 shows another elastomeric valve. The user may physically press the pressing portion 1302 (e.g., button) into the valve. Pressure on the valve creates an open fluid path when the elastomeric portion is displaced. The elastomer in the relaxed position will seal the opening. The opening of the valve may be due to displacement rather than pressure. In one embodiment, the sealed/closed condition may be present at the time of manufacture, and when the user adds the cartridge to the aerosol delivery device, pressing the cartridge into the device may cause the pressure necessary to actuate the valve, forming a fluid path. there is. This activation may be a one-time activation (i.e. when the cartridge is installed) or may be required before each use. For disposable cartridges, the flexible bladder can remain sealed/closed (leak-free) until the cartridge is installed.

Figure 14 shows the cartridge in a sealed state. In particular, a central plunger can activate the release or opening of the elastomeric valve. Figure 14 also shows the flow path in a closed state. The cartridge may include the elastomeric valve shown and described with respect to FIGS. 10-13. In a sealed state, fluid flow may be completely blocked. The cartridge may be sealed during manufacture and prior to use. On first use, the user may press the valve to cause the open state shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 shows the flow path being open. When the valve is depressed, an open state is created that opens a fluid flow path from the bladder through the ceramic material. The central plunger can actuate the opening of the elastomeric valve. The open state may be referred to as the active state.

In alternative embodiments, the elastomeric valve may be replaced with other components. There may be other components, for example a membrane, that seals the bladder in the closed state but provides fluid flow from the bladder when activated. Activation may include electrical activation (eg, pressing a button) or physical activation (eg, the user pressing an end of the device to touch or displace the membrane).

In alternative embodiments, the reservoir storing the aerosol precursor or fluid for aerosol formation may have the form of at least one capsule or may otherwise have the format and configuration of a capsule shape. That is, the aerosol precursor can be configured to have a shape to separate or otherwise create physical separation of the aerosol precursor. A typical encapsulated configuration not only defines the inner region or core of the aerosol precursor component, and the shape and volume of the inner region; Providing storage or disposition of an aerosol precursor by trapping, containing, or encapsulating the aerosol precursor by an external region or shell that acts as a wall or barrier structure that is physically separable from other components of the aerosol delivery device in which the capsule is incorporated. provided. If desired, a diluent material may be incorporated into the interior region of the capsule along with the aerosol precursor. Representative diluents include U.S. Patent No. 8,695,609 to Dube et al.; and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0053855 to Hartman et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, each capsule is sealed or sealed in such a way that the aerosol precursor does not leak from or become inaccessible from the capsule prior to use in a suitable condition.

Most preferably, a representative capsule is one in which the outer shell or barrier has sufficient resiliency and integrity to maintain encapsulation of the internal components in the normal state, in storage or during handling; Under normal use, it can be broken to release the encapsulated internal components. For example, the capsule may be composed of a shell material, thereby giving it a more or less rigid exterior, or it may have a more or less consistent overall flexibility. The outer wall or shell material of the capsule may be any of the following materials: proteins, polysaccharides, starches, waxes, fats, natural and synthetic polymers. synthetic polymers, and resins. Exemplary materials for use in the shell include gelatin, acacia (gum arabic), polyvinyl acetate, potassium alginate, and carob bean gum. ), potassium citrate, carrageenan, potassium polymetaphosphate, citric acid, potassium tripolyphosphate, dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, Povidone, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, refined paraffin wax, ethylcellulose, bleached shellac, modified food starch, alginic acid. Sodium alginate, guar gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium citrate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium ferrocyanide (sodium ferrocyanide), sodium polyphosphates, locust bean gum, methylcellulose, sodium trimetaphosphate, methyl ethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate tripolyphosphate, microcrystalline wax, tannic acid, petroleum wax, terpene resin, tragacanth, polyethylene, xanthan gum and polyethylene glycol. If desired, the capsule can be overcoated with an outer barrier, or the outer region can be sealed with a coating or moisture barrier. US Patent Publication No. 2014/0053855 to Hartman et al. further describes capsule materials, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The capsule is opened or activated, releasing the encapsulated contents. Typically, activation is carried out by breaking, crushing or melting the capsule; This activation is most preferably initiated by the user of the aerosol delivery device. For example, a user may press a button to crush the capsule or initiate an electronic signal that may initiate further chemical or physical action on the capsule. Additionally, suction (i.e., when the flow sensor is actuated) may result in physical disruption of the capsule or may act to deteriorate the physical integrity of the capsule wall through heat generation, thereby releasing the capsule's internal encapsulated contents. Activation may be initiated by the user. For example, a user may activate the capsule by pressing a button or inhaling (i.e., when the flow sensor is activated). Initialization may include a chemical reaction to disintegrate the capsule, heating to disintegrate the capsule, or other electrical signal to destroy the capsule.

The capsule is most preferably placed within an aerosol delivery device so that it can be broken when needed and the contents of the capsule can be made available for aerosol production or for enhancement of the aerosol produced by the aerosol delivery device. . As such, it is highly desirable for the contents released from the capsule to be located in the vicinity of a wicking component or resistive heating element of the aerosol delivery device (e.g., the capsule generates heat or dissipates high temperatures during use). may be in contact with or sufficiently close to a component of the aerosol delivery device). Accordingly, the contents of the capsule containing the aerosol precursor component may be subjected to the heat generated to form the aerosol and thus vaporized to form the aerosol.

Various methods have been proposed for handling breakable capsules and incorporating these breakable capsules into components of smoking articles and vapor delivery systems. For example, various types of capsules suitable for use in smoking articles, smoking article components, including breakable capsules, and equipment and techniques associated with manufacturing such smoking article components are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,722 to MacAdam et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,479,098 to Thomas et al.; Deal's U.S. Patent No. 7,833,146; U.S. Patent No. 7,984,719 to Dube et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,972,254 to Stokes et al.; US Patent No. 8,186,359 to Ademe et al.; US Patent No. 8,262,550 to Barnes et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,308,623 to Nelson et al.; US Patent No. 8,353,810 to Garthaffner et al.; US Patent No. 8,381,947 to Garthaffner et al.; US Patent No. 8,459,272 to Karles et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,739,802 to Fagg; US Patent No. 8,905,243 to Dixon et al. and US Patent No. 9,055,768 to Henley et al.; US Patent Publication No. 2010/0184576 to Prestia et al.; US Patent Publication No. 2011/0053745 by Iliev et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0271968 to Carpenter et al.; US Patent Publication No. 2013/0085052 to Henley et al. and Novak III et al.; and in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/835962, filed by Ademe on August 26, 2015; These documents are incorporated herein by reference. Also, “Marlboro W-Burst 5”, “Kent iSwitch”, “Kool Boost”, “Camel Lights with Menthol Boost”, “Camel Crush”, “Camel Silver Menthol”, “Camel Filters Menthol”, and “Camel Crush Bold”. Representative tobacco products with filter elements containing destructible capsules have been launched worldwide under brand names such as Additionally, representative types of vapor delivery systems including destructible capsules include U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0261486 to Potter and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0059780 to Davis; and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/282,768, filed May 20, 2014 by Sears et al.; These documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary types of capsules, capsule ingredients, capsule composition and shape, capsule size, capsule characteristics and capsule manufacturing techniques include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,223,185 to Takei et al.; Takei's U.S. Patent No. 5,387,093; US Patent No. 5,882,680 to Suzuki et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,719,933 to Nakamura et al.; Mane's U.S. Patent No. 7,754,239; U.S. Patent No. 6,949,256 to Fonkwe et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,984,719 to Dube et al.; US Patent No. 8,470,215 to Zhang and US Patent No. 8,695,609 to Dube et al.; US Patent Publication No. 2004/0224020 to Schoenhard; US Patent Publication No. 2005/0196437 to Bednarz et al.; US Patent Publication No. 2005/0249676 to Scott et al. and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0053855 to Hartmann et al.; and PCT Publication No. WO 03/009711 to Kim and PCT Publication No. WO 2014/170947 to Iwatani; These documents are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, examples of representative types of capsules and capsule ingredients include Yosha! Marketed by Enterprises, Inc. as "Momints" and by The Hershey Company as "Ice Breakers Liquid Ice"; Representative examples of the types of capsules and capsule ingredients contained in chewing gum include the gum type sold under the trade name "Cinnaburst" by Cadbury Adams USA.

Representative encapsulated ingredients may vary. Examples of encapsulated formulations include propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, organic acids, and flavoring agents. Examples of suitable capsules consist of an outer shell having sufficient chemical and physical properties to provide a sealed container with good integrity for the encapsulated ingredients. For example, such shells can be provided using similar ingredients used in the manufacture of capsules used in cigarette filter elements sold under the trade name "Camel Crush" by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Figure 16 shows a cartridge 1600 for an aerosol delivery device containing one or more capsules. FIG. 16 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except that the fluid container 202 with flexible bladder 206 is replaced with one or more capsules 1603 within the container 1602. Although eight capsules 1603 are shown in Figure 16, there may be just one capsule to provide the aerosol precursor, or there may be more capsules. In alternative embodiments, the aerosol precursor may be placed within a container 1602 (e.g., a flexible bladder), while the capsule may contain ingredients other than the flavor or flavoring agents of the precursor. , for example, can be used to provide nicotine. In particular, the capsule can act as an adjuvant for aerosol precursors that may be present in a fluid container separate from the capsule. In an alternative embodiment, the capsule may be within a fluid container containing aerosol precursors, which are mixed upon activation of the capsule. The fluid container may be a flexible bladder as described above.

The overall shape of the capsule can vary. Typically, representative capsules are generally spherical. However, the outer shell of the capsule may be configured to have a shape that can be generally characterized as, for example, a cylindrical, bean-shaped, ovaloid or elongated type. . Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a capsule. Capsule 1603 in FIG. 16 is illustrative only and may have other shapes. Figure 17 shows capsules of different shapes. Additionally, the capsules may be of different sizes. There may be one large capsule or several smaller microcapsules. 17 shows a tubular capsule 1702, a square capsule 1704, an oval shaped or egg shaped capsule 1706, or a round/circular/spherical ( spherical capsule 1708. The shape shown in Figure 17 is merely exemplary. Activation of these capsules may be similar or identical to capsule 1603 in Figure 16.

The size of the capsule may vary. For example, there may be a relatively large sized capsule used to replace a collapsible bladder, which capsule may have a generally similar size to the collapsible bladder described above. The capsule can also be relatively small; In such cases, for example, a plurality of microcapsules (e.g., about 50 to about 200 such small capsules) may be included within each aerosol delivery device. Additionally, a spherical capsule having a diameter of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm may be included within each aerosol delivery device; In this situation, an exemplary aerosol delivery device may include from 1 to about 10 such capsules.

18 shows an alternative cartridge 1800 for an aerosol delivery device having one or more capsules disposed adjacent to a heating element. In particular, cartridge 1800 indicates that one or more capsules 1803 may be disposed or positioned adjacent to heating element 1814. Heating element 1814 may include a wick and a heater. The wick receives aerosol precursors or other fluid from activation of capsule 1803. Based on proximity to capsule 1803, heating element 1814 may melt capsule 1803 or a portion of capsule 1803. That is, activation of the capsule 1803 may be achieved through melting from the heating element 1814. Flow tube 1812 or terminal support can support heating element 1814 such that capsule 1803 can be received and positioned adjacent heating element 1814.

Figure 19 shows the breaking mechanism for the capsule. In particular, there may be a movable element 1902 (similar to the embodiment described above for opening the elastomeric valve) that breaks or activates the capsule 1903. As described in the embodiment with an elastomeric valve actuated to create a fluid flow path, the capsule 1903 may be activated by breaking or breaking (e.g., a microcapsule) by a fracture mechanism. The capsule 1903 may be broken by the user applying force or stress by the moving member 1902 during use of the device. This force may include a compressive force (i.e., a mechanical force such as crushing or twisting) applied to the exterior or shell to rupture and release the material within the capsule 1903.

In an alternative embodiment, the capsule(s) 1903 may be positioned adjacent the moving member 1902. Direct forces from the moving member 1902 may cause the capsule(s) 1903 to break. In an embodiment similar to that shown in Figure 18, capsule(s) 1903 may be adjacent to the heating element.

The foregoing description of the use of the article(s) may be applied to the various embodiments described herein with minor changes that may appear apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the additional description provided herein. However, the above description of use is not intended to limit the use of the article, but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements for disclosure of the invention. Any element shown in the drawings or in the article(s) described above may be included in an aerosol delivery device according to the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art using the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are included within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, while the foregoing description and related drawings describe exemplary embodiments with respect to certain exemplary combinations of components and/or functions, different combinations of components and/or functions may be permitted without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It should be understood that alternative embodiments may be provided. In this regard, it is contemplated that combinations of elements and/or functions different from those explicitly described above may also be recited in some of the appended claims, for example. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general, descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

The drawings of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. These drawings are not intended to be used as a complete description of all components and features of devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Those skilled in the art will be aware of many other embodiments upon reading the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the present disclosure so that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, the drawings are representative only and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the drawing may be exaggerated and other proportions may be understated. Accordingly, the present disclosure and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The foregoing detailed description is illustrative of selected forms the invention may take and should not be construed as limiting the invention. It is only the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of the claimed invention. Finally, it should be noted that any aspect of all preferred embodiments described herein may be used alone or in combination with one another.

Claims (3)

An electronic cigarette device, comprising:
housing; and
Comprising a cartridge configured to be coupled to the housing,
The cartridge includes a flexible bladder storing a vaporizable fluid that the electronic cigarette device is configured to vaporize. A cartridge assembly configured to operate with an aerosol delivery device, comprising:
aerosol precursor; and
It includes a flexible bladder that stores the aerosol precursor,
The cartridge assembly is configured to couple to a housing of the aerosol delivery device to allow the aerosol delivery device to vaporize the aerosol precursor. As a vaporization device,
housing;
a soft fluid bladder that stores vaporizable fluid and prevents excess air within the bladder by collapsing as the fluid is removed; and
A vaporization device comprising an atomizer configured to generate vapor from the vaporizable fluid stored in the soft fluid bladder.